ONLINE KENTUCKY SPORTS BETTING APPS - 9-28-2023 (2).jpg

Kentucky residents can make sports bets online for the first time on their phones and devices. A number of apps are now licensed in the Commonwealth. WDRB Image. Sept. 28, 2023

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Gamblers bet $2.6 billion on sports in Kentucky last year.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which regulates sports wagering in the state, released the data for Sept. 2023-Sept. 2024.

The sports betting resulted in  in taxes for Kentucky. That's $20 million more than what was projected by the Kentucky General Assembly. 

Sports betting became a reality in Kentucky after a prolonged political fight. The state’s Republican-dominated legislature finished work on the bill to legalize, regulate and tax sports wagering in late March 2023 during the final hours of its annual session. Gov. Andy Beshear quickly signed the measure into law.

94% of the $43.1 million went to the state's pension fund while 2.5% went to a fund to help combat problem gambling.

There is help available by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or visiting Kentucky Gambling Help by clicking here.

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